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Services
The Norristown Weed and Seed Initiative has developed and implemented a strategic plan to address: Education, Economic Development, Housing, Family Strengthing/Youth Development, Community Relations, Recreation, Crime Prevention/Public Safety, and Health and Wellness.
Focuses on 7,000 children that attend the 11 schools that comprise the Norristown Area School District.
Norristown Truant Officer works hand in hand with Home & School Visitor and Lt. Kevin McKeon of the Norristown Police.
250 students identified, number climbed to 406 by May of 2007.
Names pulled from the school's daily attendance record as well as from the Home & School Visitor's knowledge of prior attendance problems.
Truancy details conducted 2-3 times a week during which the homes of children that were absent taht particular day were visited to determine the reason why the child had not attended school.
Sixty-three students were transported to school during a total of 77 details, after being found at home with no legitimate excuse for being absent.
Daytime curfew patrols were conducted with 49 students being arrested for being on teh streets during school hours.
During the 2006-2007 school-years 266 citations for court were issued to the parents of children deemed habitually truant. Compared to the 2005-2006 school year the number of unexcused absences fell by 3,000 for 2006-2007.
Forty-two(42%) of students in the program decreased their unexcused absences from the first semester to second semester.
Upcoming school year, the Initiative will be focusing on middle school children to stop the truancy before it becomes a major issue for a child.
PA Weed and Seed requires that each PA Weed and Seed site has three positions in place and they are:T.A.L.L. Team Coordinator, A.I.D. Team Coordinator and Law Enforcement Coordinator.
Continued support and funding of part of the Norristown Weed and Seed T.A.L.L. Team Coordinator's salary.
Why Not Prosper Resource Center for female ex-offenders (Norristown)
Expect to serve 130 low-income Norristown resident women ex-offenders.
Previous Grant Recipient Jan 2006-July 2006
Three goals: (1) increase economic self sufficiency among women ex-offenders and thus reduce recidivism; (2) decrease substance abuse relapse (3) help women re-unite with their children and as a family move to safe, decent and affordable housing.
After school program seeks at least 50 truant youth to reintegrate them back in to school through homework tudoring.
Family Nights program seeks to bring residents closer to law enforcement personnel in a positive manner while being instructed on public safety, home safety and security instruction.
Science On Patrol brings young people together with law enforcement personnel to explore the scientific side of law enforcement. Participants will work with police to solve 'crimes' through forensic and scientific techniques.
Prevention strategies for:(1) Parent Education and Support using two national model parent education/prevention programs; Guiding Good Choices targeting parents of youth in grades 4-8 and Staying Connected With Your Teen for parents of youth in grades 9-12.
(2) Brief Strategic Family Therapy (a.k.a. SPARKS: Strong Parents Actively Raising Kids Safely). Program Goal (GGC & SC)
Parents will assist their children in making positive choices and resist antisocial behavior in adolescence.
Continue partnership with NPD's Truancy Abatement Initiative and NASD to prevent truancy and reduce family management concerns that contribute to family conflict, disruption and problems with schoool attendance as well as other anti-social behaviors in adolescence.
Youth ages 12-18 (After School Teen Drop-In Program).
Serves 60 Youth per week (20 Truant Youth)
This program compliments the Truancy Abatement Initiative by engaging low-income youth in positive activities and reducing the risk factors that lead to truancy. Homework assistance, computer activities, gym games, drug and alcohol and conflict resolution lessons, and character building activities encourage school success, reduce anti-social/delinquent behaviors, and increase commitment to school.
